Friends' Premium Day — Encore Beach Club + Helicopter & Fine Dining
One high-energy day in Las Vegas for a friend group: sunrise helicopter over the Grand Canyon, relaxed late-morning brunch, Encore Beach Club pool party, a short refresh, top-tier dinner, then late-night options for clubbing or a playful group activity. Designed for lively groups who want shareable experiences, bottle-service-ready venues, and an upbeat pace suited to March (spring) weather.
Highlights
- Encore Beach Club pool party (Wynn/Encore)
- Sunrise helicopter tour over the Grand Canyon
- STK Las Vegas — lively group-friendly dinner
Itinerary
Day 1
Big day: early helicopter tour, late-morning brunch, an energetic Encore Beach Club pool party in the afternoon, downtime to refresh, then a top restaurant dinner and late-night options. March in Las Vegas is spring—pleasant daytime temps perfect for the pool party but bring a light layer for evening.
Sunrise Helicopter Tour — Grand Canyon (meet & fly)
Early pickup and a premium helicopter flight to the Grand Canyon with aerial views of the Strip, Hoover Dam and the canyon. Includes hotel/heliport shuttle by the operator (confirm pickup point on booking). Plan for early start and a stunning sunrise photo op.
Tips from local experts:
- Book the shuttle pickup the night before and confirm pickup location; Maverick often collects from major Strip hotels — ask for a group pickup window to keep everyone together.
- Bring a compact jacket for the canyon plateau — dawn in March can be cool; leave large bags at the hotel and keep phones/cameras charged.
- Ask the operator about group photo/video packages in advance (usually a better group rate than buying individually) and note weight limits for safe boarding.
Late-Morning Brunch — Jardin at Wynn
Relaxed, group-friendly brunch with seasonal dishes and shaded indoor/outdoor seating — a good decompress after the heli tour and before the pool party. Reserve a table for 4–6+ to ensure comfortable group seating.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve a larger table in advance and ask for a window or patio table — it makes post-flight photos bright and comfortable.
- Order a few shareable starters (charcuterie/small plates) so the whole group can taste multiple dishes without long waits.
- March afternoons warm quickly; request a light spritz of lawn-side seating if you prefer shade and want quicker service leaving for the pool.
Transfer to Encore Beach Club / arrival and check-in
Short transfer from Wynn/nearby Strip hotels to Encore Beach Club. Use the operator/ride-share to drop at the venue entrance. Get wristbands/cabana check-in handled quickly so the group can maximize pool time.
Tips from local experts:
- Coordinate one group ride-share or private car to drop everyone together at Encore valet to avoid long entry lines.
- Bring physical or screenshot confirmation of any cabana or table reservations; staff check group reservations on arrival.
- Carry minimal valuables and use the club lockers or a paid cabana for phones/wallets so you can be hands-free in the water.
Encore Beach Club Pool Party (main event)
High-energy daytime pool party with DJs, bottle service, and cabanas for groups. Prime time for photos, DJ sets, and social vibes — reserve a daybed/cabana for a guaranteed group spot.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve a cabana or daybed in advance; for groups of 4–6+ a cabana gives shade, seating and a safe place to store belongings (and splits well across the group).
- Plan on sunscreen, sunglasses, and a portable phone charger; buy bottle service or shared pitchers for easier split payments and quicker service.
- Check Encore’s March opening/status and heater availability—spring can be variable; bring a light cover-up for any breezy early/late moments.
Refresh & Downtime — Return to Encore/Wynn lounge or hotel
Hour to shower, rest, and change for dinner. Perfect for group photo curation, sorting wallets, and quick pre-dinner planning.
Tips from local experts:
- If you booked a cabana, leave a small tip for attendants who held items; it speeds re-entry and service later in the night.
- Use this slot to move valuables to the hotel room and consolidate cash/cards for dinner or club cover charges.
- Quickly rehydrate and take a light snack if needed—this helps everyone feel fresh for dinner and later nightlife.
Dinner at STK Las Vegas — The Cosmopolitan (group-friendly, lively)
Trendy, music-forward steakhouse that handles groups well — great for celebratory evenings and shared plates. Reserve a late 7pm table for a relaxed pace after the day’s activities.
Tips from local experts:
- Book a reservation well in advance and request a table in the main dining room for the energetic vibe; larger groups can request a semi-private section.
- Consider the shared sides and family-style options to keep the bill manageable for everyone — split appetizer and sides to sample more.
- Ask the host about timing for dessert and post-dinner plans (many restaurants will coordinate with nearby lounges/clubs if you plan to move the party).
Late-Night Options — Option A: XS Nightclub at Encore (high-energy dancing)
For groups who want a marquee nightclub, XS offers DJs, bottle service and a large dance floor — excellent continuation from Encore Beach Club and STK for one-stop service.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve a table or bottle service early — the venue moves groups faster to a reserved area and often waives long entry lines for priority guests.
- Plan cover charges and ID checks; assign one person to handle the group’s entry and wallet to speed the process.
- If you want a quieter start, time arrival for 10:30–11:00 to miss the peak line and still catch headline DJs.
Late-Night Options — Option B: Topgolf Las Vegas (playful group activity)
Alternative late-night social game for groups who prefer playful competition over a club — bays for groups, food/drink service, and flexible billing make splitting easy.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve a bay for 6+ well ahead; Topgolf’s bays have communal scoring and are perfect for groups who want a playful, low-pressure activity.
- Order sharable pitchers and snacks for the bay to keep costs down and ease payment splits for the evening.
- Topgolf is open late—come after dinner to avoid daytime crowds and take advantage of cooler March evenings and good lighting for group photos.
